Chapter 11 Hollywood Business Bankruptcy Lawyer & Business Bankruptcy Law Firm

What is a Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy? Who would file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Hollywood ?

A bankruptcy case filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code will generally be filed by a Hollywood area business, although this chapter is also available to individuals. While a business may choose to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation), it may not file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy (reorganization) because these are reserved for individuals. But it is very common for a business to want to reorganize its debts and stay in business rather than filing a Chapter 7 and liquidating all of its assets. Chapter 11 bankruptcies are available to Broward County businesses for this purpose (i.e., staying in business and restructuring the company's debts). Whether you are a small business or a large business, debt can beome overriding.

There are some famous Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases filed by some high profile companies: Lehman Brothers in 2008 (during the Wall Street collapse); Washington Mutual Bank which was quickly acquired by Chase Bank; and the Enron bankruptcy which brought to light unlawful accounting practices. It doesn't take unlawful accounting practices to get a business, even a small business, into trouble ... the current economy combined with poor bookkeeping and/or lack of financial planning can cause problems and conceal a looming financial crisis for Hollywood businesses.

A business does not have to be completely insolvent before it is allowed to file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. Accountants and bookkeepers in the Hollywood , Broward County, Florida, area can provide invaluable financial support to businesses and provide guidance of when it might be time to seek the advice of a qualified Hollywood Chapter 11 bankruptcy attorney. Some Hollywood area financial professionals include:

The main reason an individual or married couple would want to file a Ch. 11 bankruptcy instead of a Ch. 13 case is because their debts may exceed the limits allowed in chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Although similar to ch.13, a Hollywood Chapter 11 bankruptcy is much more complicated and requires the advice of a qualified Hollywood Bankruptcy Attorney.

Common types of creditors in Hollywood , Florida, with whom a person may have very high debts that disqualify them filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy:

Banks and Mortgage Companies  Wachovia Bank
4100 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL
(954) 987-1300

Car Dealers Florida Fine Cars
1027 South State Road 7, Hollywood, FL
(954) 620-777

Jewelry Stores Morningstar's Jewelers
2000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL
(954) 923-2372

The Basics of a Chapter 11 Hollywood Bankruptcy:

A qualified Hollywood Bankruptcy Law Firm will have the expertise to guide their clients through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Here are the common steps for Chapter 11 cases filed in Hollywood and Broward County, Florida (but they may vary depending on specific circumstances):

► The case begins when the petition is filed with the bankruptcy court. Broward County cases are filed with theU.S. Courthouse, 299 East Broward Boulevard, Room 112, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, (954) 769-5700.
 

► The filing fee of $1,000 and administrative fee of $39 are paid.

► Upon filing of the petition and pursuant to Section 1107 of the bankruptcy code, the debtor assumes the responsibilities normally assigned to a trustee (as in a Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 case) and is known as "debtor in possession." This means the debtor may continue to operate the business, including paying employees.

► The debtor in possession also has the responsibility of filing monthly operating reports with the Court and the U.S. Trustee, filing and paying taxes, and creating a plan for reorganization.

► Although the debtor is given the authority to continue to operate the business in the ordinary course of business, the debtor is expected to do so in a manner in the best interest of all concerned. The interest of the creditors is protected by the formation of various creditor committees. These committees will have much influence on the reorganization plan being developed by the debtor in possession.

► A plan is proposed, a confirmation hearing is held, and eventually a plan will be confirmed.

► The plan is implemented.

► Confirmation of the plan can also mean discharge of debts incurred prior to confirmation, but there are many variables including whether the debtor is an individual or a business. Your Hollywood Bankruptcy Attorney will advise you on the effects of confirmation of your plan.

Contact a Hollywood Bankruptcy Attorney for advice and consultation about filing a Ch. 11 Broward County Bankruptcy.

Serving clients throughout Southern Florida, including Boca Raton, Carol City, Cooper City, Coral Gables, Coral Springs, Corral Terrace, Country Club, Cutler Bay, Dania, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Doral, Fort Lauderdale, Fountainbleau, Hallandale Beach, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Hollywood, Homestead, Kendal, Lauderhill, Margate, Melrose Park, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Miramar, North Miami, Oakland Park, Palmetto Bay, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Richmond West, Sunrise, West Little River, areas in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and other communities in Broward County.